Cory sat on the steps of Dipper's Doughnuts trying to properly sip his hot
chocolate while wearing his oversized blue mittens. Topanga stood beside
him, amused at the entertainment he was providing. "Why don't you just take
them off for a while Cory, I'm sure your hands won't freeze that fast."
Topanga giggled as she adjusted the straps of her book bag. "Man I would' a
paid Eric a hundred bucks to drive us to school today. I can't wait to get
my license.I'm tired of using these legs to transport me from place to
place, how primitive."
Topanga repositioned her earmuffs, as she spied Shawn turn the corner and start across the street. Instead of his leather jacket, he dawned his old blue flannel reinforced hooded jacket. He smiled at the pair from under his sunglasses. "Shawn, I don't know if you noticed but the sun's been on vacation for a few days, what's with the shades?" Cory asked as Topanga handed Shawn a steaming Styrofoam cup. "House blend, no cream, two sugars, just the way you like it." She smiled as Shawn popped the top and went to take a swig, "Be Careful ITS HOT!" She warned just as the cup reached his lips, he pulled it away and grinned, "Thanks.. You save me every time." He responded as he blew into the cup, before slowly sipping.
Cory rose and stretched his neck to stare into Shawn's face. The curly haired boy remained silent as he examined Shawn. "Can I help you?" Shawn asked after a long awkward pause. "Take them off.." Cory prodded a bit annoyed. Shawn raised his eyes skyward and turned slightly, "Cory, what's the big de." He started as Cory placed a hand on his hip and handed Topanga his chocolate. "I said take them off, Hunter.. That's an order!" Cory chided, as Shawn humbly obliged. He slid the glasses off to reveal a deep purple and yellow shiner, topped off with a swollen, jagged gash just above his eyebrow. Topanga inhaled and winced as she got a good glimpse of the unsightly bruise. "Please don't go crazy over this, it was just a stupid accident.. OKAY!!" Shawn shrugged and laughed. "I'm listening.." Cory stated, less than amused.
"Look, Herman's cat got out last night and the kid was going nuts, so me and Frankie went after him into the woods, we were afraid he would wander onto the highway, so as I was running after him, I ran into a tree. Stupid, what can I say.." Shawn shook his head, hoping his friends would take the bait. Cory cocked his head and raised an eyebrow, as Shawn turned and began toward school, "So did you guys do Dr. Sorrell's project it's due today." He nervously changed the subject. Cory glanced at Topanga who returned his worried sediment. "Whoa.whoa wait a minute, Shawn!" Cory advanced and grabbed Shawn's shoulder.bad move!! It took every ounce of reserve to keep from crying out, but Shawn kept his cool, as stars danced about his head he stopped and turned to his best friend. No one noticed but the boy stopped breathing and bit his lip.
Cory looked Shawn in the eye, as he broke out into a sweat. "Shawn!! I'm only going to ask you this once okay, are you on the level?? Are you being straight with me?" Shawn moved closer to his oldest, dearest comrade, looked him square in the face.. and lied, "Cory!! You know I'm always upfront with you." The two boys sized each other up, Cory searching for a hint of deception, Shawn praying it would all go away. Unfortunately Cory blinked first, his expression broke into a grin as he patted Shawn on the back, "Alright Buddy!! I believe ya!!" Both boys breathed sighs of relief as they again started toward school, Topanga lagged behind, she on the other hand was not so convinced. If there is one thing Shawn Hunter excels at it's fooling those around him. He should have been a magician, he has an uncanny ability to manipulate and distract those closest to him. The musketeers walked to school, refreshments in hand, they reveled so much in each others company, the bitter cold was long forgotten, the black eye a distant memory.
Shawn ran to his locker after third period to change books and meet Cory for lunch. The day had not gone so well; he totally blanked for Ms. Thomkin's pop quiz and Dr. Sorrell was less than pleased with the mess he handed in for Chemistry. He needed to see Cory right away before he would spin out of control. The one thing he didn't need right now was what turned the corner and was steaming straight for him.."Oh NO!! Turner!!" Jonathan stopped to chat with Missy Robinson as the bell sounded and the halls began to empty. Shawn scrambled to gather his things with lightning speed, but fumbled big time as his books flew all over the hall, one sliding right into Jon's boot. The book startled the young handsome teacher as he glanced toward Shawn.
His expression darkened as he got a good look at his former charge. He leaned in and swiped the book from the floor, not taking his dark eyes off the boy, "Hunter!! You got something you wanna tell me??" He questioned as he walked up and slammed Shawn's locker shut. "Yeah.." Shawn stammered, hoping he could yammer his way through this one. "Nice tie, clearance item from Macy's?" He joked as Jon rolled his eyes. "Hunter, this is not funny!!" Jonathan started as he raised a shaky hand to Shawn's eye. "Oh MY GOD, this needs stitches Shawn, it already looks infected, I want you to go see Nurse Sally right away, how did this happen, what didja do after you left last night, Shawn start talking kid, before I go ballistic!!" Shawn giggled as he reveled in Jon's familiar banter; the boy grabbed his tie and pulled the man toward him. Unbeknownst to him, Shawn automatically relaxed, his body and mind taking comfort in Turner. Somehow Shawn felt at ease in his presence, he instinctively sensed safety in Jonathan's midst. If only he would realize.
"John please.. It's no biggie.I ran into a tree last night helping Frankie search for Herman's cat. Don't make a bigger deal out of this than." Turner folded his arms and glared at Shawn. Shawn hushed up right away, hung his head and waited, he knew Jon all to well. "HUNTER!! Forgive me if I'm not convinced, I want details, and I want them now!!" Shawn shrugged and bobbed his head, "I'm sorry Jon no time I'm late for lunch.." Turner yanked Shawn's sleeve, "It will have to wait Shawn, everything will wait until you talk to me." Turner grabbed the boy's backpack and leaned against the locker as the remnants of students dissipated as the second bell sounded. Turner looped the shoulder straps around his arms tightly and raised an eyebrow at Shawn.
Shawn folded his arms and exhaled in a huff, "You got me.Held hostage again, what do ya wanna know??" Shawn questioned a bit annoyed. Jon again surveyed Shawn's wounded eye. "I want to know exactly what went off after you left me last night. Down to the last second. I'm sorry amigo; I just don't trust your father, KIDDO!! Now come on, level with me Shawn, what happened last night!!"
Shawn rolled his eyes and let his imagination loose, "My dad drove me home, helped me unload my stuff, he stepped out for a few hours, I hung out next door with Frankie, we watched Letterman, Herman's cat got lose, we found him, I fell asleep on the couch, my dad strolled home a little after two, we talked a while, he sacked out and I went to sleep, LA TEE DAH!!! WELCOME HOME SHAWN!!!" Shawn's nostrils flared with anger, a shame, even in Shawn's imagination his father was a deadbeat. Turner hung his head, amazingly he believed Shawn's tale, too mediocre to be a lie, he thought. Turner placed his arm around the boy's shoulder, "Look Shawn, give him a break okay it was the first night, he was probably tired from working so hard."
Shawn rejoiced inside, hook line and sinker, he had Turner reeled in all right! Not bad, not bad at all!! Shawn poured it on thick, "I don't know Jon, I thought he might spend time with me, or want to catch up with me, instead he dumps me off and heads to the store, like I really need breakfast in the morning, that kind of stuff isn't important yano??" Turner gave Shawn a mock punch on the chin, "Look Buddy, It will get better Chet will come around, you'll see, he's not used to being there for anyone, just as long as he's not mistreating you, that's a different story entirely.. What did he say about the eye??" Turner inquired as he handed Shawn his backpack. Shawn smiled, "he said GREAT, NOW EVERYONE WILL THINK I WENT TEN ROUNDS WITH YA BEFORE SUNUP!!" Shawn mocked, in his best Chet impersonation.
Turner smiled, "Shawn just remember, I'm here if you need me, I'm still going to be there for you always, no matter what happens, hell or high water, you can always count on me." Jon smiled. Shawn looked into Turner's eyes, "I know I can always count on you Jon, your one of only a few people I can count on." Shawn hung his head; "Well my dad said he'd make it up to me by coming to the game tomorrow.. Are you gonna be there Jon??" Shawn inquired. Just then Matthews turned the corner, "Shawn!! Where were you, I was getting worried!! I was about to send out a search party!!" Cory joked as he advanced on the pair. Turner and Cory exchanged greetings as Shawn gathered his things. "Hey Shawn, stop by my class before you head home you forgot your gift last night, your gonna need it for your big debut tomorrow."
Shawn smiled, "Okay!! I'll see you after seventh period, I got practice tonight so I'm gonna need that present!!" Turner gave Shawn the thumbs up as he walked down the hall with Cory. As Shawn disappeared around the corner Turner breathed a sigh of relief, "OH GOD!!" he thought to himself. "What does that kid take me for!?" Turner exhaled and rubbed his eyes with vigor, "I'm on alert Hunter. This cut's like a knife.Turner straightened his tie, "Fight for him, HELL!! Now I'd kill for this kid if I had too!!" Turner hurried into his class, a look of determination graced his face, I'll be there Shawn, mark my words, I'll be there."
Topanga repositioned her earmuffs, as she spied Shawn turn the corner and start across the street. Instead of his leather jacket, he dawned his old blue flannel reinforced hooded jacket. He smiled at the pair from under his sunglasses. "Shawn, I don't know if you noticed but the sun's been on vacation for a few days, what's with the shades?" Cory asked as Topanga handed Shawn a steaming Styrofoam cup. "House blend, no cream, two sugars, just the way you like it." She smiled as Shawn popped the top and went to take a swig, "Be Careful ITS HOT!" She warned just as the cup reached his lips, he pulled it away and grinned, "Thanks.. You save me every time." He responded as he blew into the cup, before slowly sipping.
Cory rose and stretched his neck to stare into Shawn's face. The curly haired boy remained silent as he examined Shawn. "Can I help you?" Shawn asked after a long awkward pause. "Take them off.." Cory prodded a bit annoyed. Shawn raised his eyes skyward and turned slightly, "Cory, what's the big de." He started as Cory placed a hand on his hip and handed Topanga his chocolate. "I said take them off, Hunter.. That's an order!" Cory chided, as Shawn humbly obliged. He slid the glasses off to reveal a deep purple and yellow shiner, topped off with a swollen, jagged gash just above his eyebrow. Topanga inhaled and winced as she got a good glimpse of the unsightly bruise. "Please don't go crazy over this, it was just a stupid accident.. OKAY!!" Shawn shrugged and laughed. "I'm listening.." Cory stated, less than amused.
"Look, Herman's cat got out last night and the kid was going nuts, so me and Frankie went after him into the woods, we were afraid he would wander onto the highway, so as I was running after him, I ran into a tree. Stupid, what can I say.." Shawn shook his head, hoping his friends would take the bait. Cory cocked his head and raised an eyebrow, as Shawn turned and began toward school, "So did you guys do Dr. Sorrell's project it's due today." He nervously changed the subject. Cory glanced at Topanga who returned his worried sediment. "Whoa.whoa wait a minute, Shawn!" Cory advanced and grabbed Shawn's shoulder.bad move!! It took every ounce of reserve to keep from crying out, but Shawn kept his cool, as stars danced about his head he stopped and turned to his best friend. No one noticed but the boy stopped breathing and bit his lip.
Cory looked Shawn in the eye, as he broke out into a sweat. "Shawn!! I'm only going to ask you this once okay, are you on the level?? Are you being straight with me?" Shawn moved closer to his oldest, dearest comrade, looked him square in the face.. and lied, "Cory!! You know I'm always upfront with you." The two boys sized each other up, Cory searching for a hint of deception, Shawn praying it would all go away. Unfortunately Cory blinked first, his expression broke into a grin as he patted Shawn on the back, "Alright Buddy!! I believe ya!!" Both boys breathed sighs of relief as they again started toward school, Topanga lagged behind, she on the other hand was not so convinced. If there is one thing Shawn Hunter excels at it's fooling those around him. He should have been a magician, he has an uncanny ability to manipulate and distract those closest to him. The musketeers walked to school, refreshments in hand, they reveled so much in each others company, the bitter cold was long forgotten, the black eye a distant memory.
Shawn ran to his locker after third period to change books and meet Cory for lunch. The day had not gone so well; he totally blanked for Ms. Thomkin's pop quiz and Dr. Sorrell was less than pleased with the mess he handed in for Chemistry. He needed to see Cory right away before he would spin out of control. The one thing he didn't need right now was what turned the corner and was steaming straight for him.."Oh NO!! Turner!!" Jonathan stopped to chat with Missy Robinson as the bell sounded and the halls began to empty. Shawn scrambled to gather his things with lightning speed, but fumbled big time as his books flew all over the hall, one sliding right into Jon's boot. The book startled the young handsome teacher as he glanced toward Shawn.
His expression darkened as he got a good look at his former charge. He leaned in and swiped the book from the floor, not taking his dark eyes off the boy, "Hunter!! You got something you wanna tell me??" He questioned as he walked up and slammed Shawn's locker shut. "Yeah.." Shawn stammered, hoping he could yammer his way through this one. "Nice tie, clearance item from Macy's?" He joked as Jon rolled his eyes. "Hunter, this is not funny!!" Jonathan started as he raised a shaky hand to Shawn's eye. "Oh MY GOD, this needs stitches Shawn, it already looks infected, I want you to go see Nurse Sally right away, how did this happen, what didja do after you left last night, Shawn start talking kid, before I go ballistic!!" Shawn giggled as he reveled in Jon's familiar banter; the boy grabbed his tie and pulled the man toward him. Unbeknownst to him, Shawn automatically relaxed, his body and mind taking comfort in Turner. Somehow Shawn felt at ease in his presence, he instinctively sensed safety in Jonathan's midst. If only he would realize.
"John please.. It's no biggie.I ran into a tree last night helping Frankie search for Herman's cat. Don't make a bigger deal out of this than." Turner folded his arms and glared at Shawn. Shawn hushed up right away, hung his head and waited, he knew Jon all to well. "HUNTER!! Forgive me if I'm not convinced, I want details, and I want them now!!" Shawn shrugged and bobbed his head, "I'm sorry Jon no time I'm late for lunch.." Turner yanked Shawn's sleeve, "It will have to wait Shawn, everything will wait until you talk to me." Turner grabbed the boy's backpack and leaned against the locker as the remnants of students dissipated as the second bell sounded. Turner looped the shoulder straps around his arms tightly and raised an eyebrow at Shawn.
Shawn folded his arms and exhaled in a huff, "You got me.Held hostage again, what do ya wanna know??" Shawn questioned a bit annoyed. Jon again surveyed Shawn's wounded eye. "I want to know exactly what went off after you left me last night. Down to the last second. I'm sorry amigo; I just don't trust your father, KIDDO!! Now come on, level with me Shawn, what happened last night!!"
Shawn rolled his eyes and let his imagination loose, "My dad drove me home, helped me unload my stuff, he stepped out for a few hours, I hung out next door with Frankie, we watched Letterman, Herman's cat got lose, we found him, I fell asleep on the couch, my dad strolled home a little after two, we talked a while, he sacked out and I went to sleep, LA TEE DAH!!! WELCOME HOME SHAWN!!!" Shawn's nostrils flared with anger, a shame, even in Shawn's imagination his father was a deadbeat. Turner hung his head, amazingly he believed Shawn's tale, too mediocre to be a lie, he thought. Turner placed his arm around the boy's shoulder, "Look Shawn, give him a break okay it was the first night, he was probably tired from working so hard."
Shawn rejoiced inside, hook line and sinker, he had Turner reeled in all right! Not bad, not bad at all!! Shawn poured it on thick, "I don't know Jon, I thought he might spend time with me, or want to catch up with me, instead he dumps me off and heads to the store, like I really need breakfast in the morning, that kind of stuff isn't important yano??" Turner gave Shawn a mock punch on the chin, "Look Buddy, It will get better Chet will come around, you'll see, he's not used to being there for anyone, just as long as he's not mistreating you, that's a different story entirely.. What did he say about the eye??" Turner inquired as he handed Shawn his backpack. Shawn smiled, "he said GREAT, NOW EVERYONE WILL THINK I WENT TEN ROUNDS WITH YA BEFORE SUNUP!!" Shawn mocked, in his best Chet impersonation.
Turner smiled, "Shawn just remember, I'm here if you need me, I'm still going to be there for you always, no matter what happens, hell or high water, you can always count on me." Jon smiled. Shawn looked into Turner's eyes, "I know I can always count on you Jon, your one of only a few people I can count on." Shawn hung his head; "Well my dad said he'd make it up to me by coming to the game tomorrow.. Are you gonna be there Jon??" Shawn inquired. Just then Matthews turned the corner, "Shawn!! Where were you, I was getting worried!! I was about to send out a search party!!" Cory joked as he advanced on the pair. Turner and Cory exchanged greetings as Shawn gathered his things. "Hey Shawn, stop by my class before you head home you forgot your gift last night, your gonna need it for your big debut tomorrow."
Shawn smiled, "Okay!! I'll see you after seventh period, I got practice tonight so I'm gonna need that present!!" Turner gave Shawn the thumbs up as he walked down the hall with Cory. As Shawn disappeared around the corner Turner breathed a sigh of relief, "OH GOD!!" he thought to himself. "What does that kid take me for!?" Turner exhaled and rubbed his eyes with vigor, "I'm on alert Hunter. This cut's like a knife.Turner straightened his tie, "Fight for him, HELL!! Now I'd kill for this kid if I had too!!" Turner hurried into his class, a look of determination graced his face, I'll be there Shawn, mark my words, I'll be there."
